One [G]-XPERiENCE

Santz On the Journey

2009-04-14T07:51:00.000-07:00

It's time to say Good bye!!

2009-04-13T23:38:00.000-07:00

One of the most memorable endings to any tv show I think would have to be the Mickey Mouse Club, as those words came out of your mouth you're already humming the song. Well It's time to say good bye to One G Experience. It seems like a sad day but I have something up my sleeve. Don't worry I wont leave you hanging check out my new platform Santz On the Journey hope to see YOU very soon.

Under Construction

2009-04-12T18:42:00.000-07:00

Some BIG changes coming soon!! Change never feels like a good thing, right? but in fact it always ends up being a lot better. So I'm about to change things up, in my life and on this blog. I'm being challenged in many ways and I know I need to change. Change hurts, change stretches, but all in all change advances. So everyone be ready for the change, stay tuned in.

Simon Says aint got nothing on this!

2009-04-07T21:43:00.001-07:00

We've all played the game of Simon Says but have you ever played, "Tag Ya Man" well here is a quick lesson on the new version of Simon Says, go ahead play along. Trust me after a while this song will pop right back to your head and somewhere in your day, with your smooth voice you too will start singing, "Tag Ya Man."

"Tag Ya Man" from santos samayoa on Vimeo.

Good Advice

2009-04-07T20:10:00.000-07:00

"I like to tell young preachers, you don’t fail when you invite people to repent and follow Christ and no one responds. You fail when you don’t invite people to repent and follow Christ." -Craig Groeschel

Sunday Night REwind

2009-04-05T22:22:00.000-07:00

There was a great excitement this whole week for Sunday, and it finally is here, and I'm still excited!!
Big THANKS to all those who made it happen, both the leadership and the volunteers from CWCM, this could not have happened with out yall.
I love seeing a group of people come together with one purpose, it's awesome.
We honestly might have not had a clue what we were doing, just an idea, but now we know. Hmm...I wonder if a FREE monthly breakfast is on CWCM's schedule? just a thought.
The FREE breakfast that we've been promoting, EVERYWHERE, was a SUCCESS!! several people showed up, food was almost all gone, and people just came together both to serve and just to have fun.
I forgot his name but I think they call him uncle Joe, we talked and he gave me a nickname "Kadosh" means Holy in Greek which means Santo in Spanish which means me, Santos!
Two words to paint a picture of how the church looked, FULL HOUSE.
The whole production team, one word...WOW!!
Everyone did a good job from the smallest to the leading role (oh by the way who was playing the Barabbas role, now he was good, haha j/k)
Seeing people accept Jesus gets me pumped, reminds me of when I crossed the line, hmm I wonder of what we can start for new believers, like a first step class?
P. Ant always puts me on the spot, but it's good though I either sink or swim, and I'll try my hardest to swim it may not look pretty but I'll get there.
Can't believe I get to be a part of this, WOW, Thank you Lord.
Pics and videos coming up SOON.
That's it for tonight forgot tomorrow is Monday, and it's back to work. Gnite.

We Can do this!

2009-04-03T06:15:00.000-07:00

Special THANKS to all those who have stepped up to help and/or are going to help make this happen, it's not Sunday yet, but I know it's going to be good!
We still need a couple more dozen eggs, and bacon so if you would like to help out with any kind of donation, it's never to late contact us at info@cwcmilpitas.com
Thank you all for making this city wide event possible!!

FREE BREAKFAST!!

2009-04-01T22:53:00.001-07:00

This Sunday April 5th we are hosting a Friends & Family Breakfast and the best part is that it's all FREE!! now that I have your attention I need your help in making this happen:

If you know anyone in the Milpitas area (San Jose/Fremont) tell them to come check it out, foods on us!
Post this poster image and message on your facebook, myspace, or twitter.
TELL EVERYONE YOU KNOW!!
TRY your hardest to make it out as well
If you would like to help out with any donations (email me or leave me a comment) and I'll let you know what we need.

Well all this cannot be done without YOU! so let's make this happen here is the lowdown on the FREE breakfast

WHEN&WHERE:

Time- 9:30-11am
Location: Milpitas Campus 241 S. Main St.
More Info: cwcmilpitas.com

Do everything with Love challenge

2009-03-31T09:27:00.000-07:00

1 Corinthians 16:14 is a simple verse that says "Let all that you do be done with LOVE." Now I want to call out a challenge to all those who read this blog it's called the "Do everything with LOVE challenge" When you love someone you will do all that you can, you will give sacrificially, you will try your hardest, you will do your best. This challenge is to go out and do something, but do it with love. It's going to cost you something maybe time, money, or it might even take you out of your comfort by doing something that really isn't you like talking with a total stranger.
In the comment box below write what you did, not what you're thinking about doing. You can do more than one thing, but we only have one day for this challenge.
So today live out this scripture by doing everything with LOVE.

Stop and Listen

2009-03-31T07:04:00.000-07:00

Today I'm staying in, I feel sick as a dog...But I'm glad I can catch up on some reading.
The Washington Post did an experiment with Joshua Bell, the world’s best violin player. They put him in a Washington DC Metro stop to work his musical magic. Would people stop and listen to the world’s best violin player who’s playing one of the world’s best violins (his violin was made in 1730 and cost $3.5 million)? check this clip out

Why wouldn't people stop and listen to one of the greatest musicians of our time? I think there are two reasons why:

People are to distracted- several people who walked by this man had a chance to listen to a FREE concert of a great musician but because of the busyness of life: emails, newspaper, lattes, text messages, phone calls they all could not appreciate the sounds of a masterpiece.
People just didn't know who this guy was- I have to say if I didn't read about who Joshua Bell is, if this article didn't explain the truths about who he is and what he has done, I would have never known who he was, so I think I wouldn't have recognized him.

Do you think these two reasons hold truth about "Jesus?" I mean several people have NO time for Jesus. We live in a busy world that demands more time at work than more time with the Lord.
also several people don't know the truths about who Jesus is other than what they see on TV, there is a need for people to be like this article to explain to others who Jesus is, our Christ our savior.

Today take time to listen to the music, take time to listen to what Jesus is saying to YOU.

Sunday Night REwind

2009-03-29T21:40:00.000-07:00

We Kicked off our NEW Sunday Service at 11:17am at CWCM and it was Great, glad to see some familiar faces but also glad to see the many new faces.
Can't lie it felt like a weird transition but I was glad to see the support from the Spanish ministry and our team come in and work together.
Next Sunday, April 5th, we are hosting a FREE breakfast for the community of Milpitas!! click here for more info or click here for directions, hope to see you there.
We have a great church that is eager to HELP out in any way for our BIG FREE breakfast. Remember to invite more people out!
Thinking about new ways to invite people to church, any ideas? what's working at your church?
Had some fun at Jaydens' B-day party, never knew how fun flying a kite was! check out this picture of Zai flying a kite. oh yeah the food was off the HOOK!!
It's weird b/c the days I don't want to preach, God decides to take over. Just re-affirms me that I can't do this on my own it's only by his strength, grace, and faithfulness that I do what I do.
My style of preaching has changed totally, I think I'm finding my swing but still trying things out.
It's so amazing to see a church sing w/o no instruments just voices. Made the whole church (MCEC) sing A Capella.
God is good, and all the time God is good!

Killing Cockroaches pt.4

2009-03-27T06:15:00.000-07:00

10 things I'll remember after visiting Disney:

I like Disney Land but not as much as Amanda LOVES Disney, I get tired too fast and my legs start hurting, what can I say I'm getting old! Anyways Tony Morgan points out 10 things that he remembers after visiting Disney (p.53):

The experience begins in the parking lot.
We will invest a lot of money to make dreams come true.
It helps to have someone with you who's been there before.
The value of excellence transcends socioeconomic and cultural barriers.
It's hard to communicate with people who wear masks.
The journey is more fun when you're on it with friends.
The world is small.
Lots of people fulfilling the same mission can achieve great results.
It's possible to leave behind a lasting legacy for future generations.
We remember the fireworks at the end.

Do people want to go to church like people want to go to Disney? Can church really be a place where dreams come true?

Killing Cockroaches pt.3

2009-03-25T20:56:00.000-07:00

Compel them to come in
"Then the master said to the servant, ‘Go out into the highways and hedges, and compel them to come in, that my house may be filled." -Luke 14:23

Near my house there is this little center that holds a IHOP, a laundry mat, a video store, and a Chinese buffet. Now I have gone to both restaurants and both are good but one seems to be better than the other because they have a more selections on their menu. See there have been several times that I've gone to this same location on a Saturday morning to eat breakfast and I see this long line of people awaiting to eat at IHOP but to the right is this untouched chinese buffet. Now I have a choice to make at this point, wait 20 minutes for moons over my hammy or I can get quick access to sweet and sour pork and noodles, what will I do? well not sure about you, but for me I will stick to the obvious, IHOP. Why, you may ask? well there is a reason people will stand outside to wait to be seated, it maybe their service you know what you see on the menu is what you will get, their selection varies from breakfast to dinner they give me an option, or just the experience someone always knows me there. Those are just some reasons why I will choose IHOP over the Chinese buffet all the time.

"Is your church service compelling? after all, our church services are competing with every other opportunity people have to invest their time. They could be reading the Sunday paper, sipping Starbucks coffee, golfing, sleeping in. We can shout the claims of Christ all we want, but if we don't compel people to come in and listen, our message is fruitless." -Tony Morgan (p.26)

Why aren't people compelled to come to church? I mean if we are serving the best thing possible, JESUS, why isn't their crowds of people in service on Sunday mornings. If you read throughout the gospels Jesus always attracted large crowds, what kind of crowd is your church attracting?
How can we make church more compelling for others to come?

Killing Cockroaches pt.2

2009-03-25T05:36:00.000-07:00

What are Cockroaches?

Have you ever had an encounter with a cockroach before? what is your first reaction? Do you take care of it (by taking care of it you know what I'm talking about) or do you just look at the cockroach skedaddle along? ok ok I've hit you with many questions, but do keep them in the back of your mind as you read along.

I've had my shares of Cockroach encounters and to be honest with you , AHHHHHH, I hate cockroaches! You know what I mean, they are these ugly, crawling, small/big (I've heard Hawaii has a couple juicy ones out there) pretty fast, CRUNCHY (It only takes one crunch) insects that live in the cracks of dark warm places. Nobody, and I mean Nobody likes Cockroaches (and if you do I'll give you should repent)

I can remember just recently going to this taqueria with some friends and all of a sudden, yes you guessed it a cockroach on the wall!! I literally was paralyzed and thought to myself, "If I stop looking at it, then probably it will disappear and I will be able to enjoy my super burrito." Well as much as I tried not looking at it, I could feel it looking at me with those long antennas and eyes (not sure if they even have eyes) I couldn't take it anymore so I did the impossible. I got a napkin knocked it down. Then to the hard part. I don't like killing cockroaches b/c of the crunch. Now I could have let the cockroach go but then I would always know, "he's somewhere around here?" so I did it...I introduced him to my size 11 vans and sent him to cockroach heaven, or hell.

Cockroaches in ministry or in leadership are those little things that many of us don't want to take initiative of squashing. Thinking that the more I don't look at the problem the quicker it will disappear, the opposite is true for this method.

I just looked up "Cockroaches" in wikipedia just to find out that cockroaches adapt readily to warm conditions found within buildings. Got me thinking if something (Church or team) remains the same (a constant warm temperature) Cockroaches will adapt and start manifesting and growing, because you don't have to be an Orkin man to know that where there is one cockroach there are several!!

What Cockroaches are crawling around your church, ministry, or team? are you willing to squash'em?

Twitter Freak!!

2009-03-24T22:29:00.000-07:00

Killing Cockroaches pt.1

2009-03-24T18:08:00.000-07:00

Recently I just finished a book, "Killing Cockroaches" by Tony Morgan, that has totally challenge the way I think about "How to do Church." Now a quick background, I have been raised in church spent most of my time sleeping under a pew when I was younger, tried so hard to rebel but I just couldn't because the fear of God (you know the one your parents tell you about like when He will ZAPP you as soon as you enter a movie theatre), and now I help out at my church with whatever I can do. Church for me can just become something that is routine. You know you come to through those doors and you expect some older individual to give you a handshake and a bulletin and tell you God bless you, then you enter the sanctuary only to hear the same songs playing and the same people on stage, if the songs didn't get you well the preaching will because instead of giving something attainable, applicable and astounding the preacha man just goes through a long history about who Jesus was...Ok if you read through all that you might be laughing (b/c thats your church) or you might be sick in your stomach because you church still hasn't changed.

So throughout this week I am going to bring up some main ideas, that I wrestled with, which Tony wrote about and I'm just going to share with you, the reader.

(If you are a church leader get your hands on this book it really challenges the status quo on how to do church?)

Ok with that said I just want to leave you off with this one question that I asked myself as I read through this book...

"Can CULTURE and CHRIST crossbreed?"

It works!

2009-03-10T17:59:00.000-07:00

Recently I posted a blog about making appointments and marking them on a calendar, and so far I have been doing so. Although it may not be as busy or marked up like yours I have had a great time marking things out. Now I enjoy being busy because it makes me feel like I am accomplishing something, but now I'm prioritizing my busyness and it doesn't overwhelm me as much!
When I first started this I was marking down everything so it can seem like I have something to do people to meet, you know what I mean. I started marking down my devotional times, my blogging time, meeting up with Amanda time, even time to take out the trash. I really thought I was never going to meet with anyone else other than Amanda then all of a sudden I started making calls and emails, and wouldn't you know it I had two meetings, way cool.
I guess you'll never know what you are capable of until you set your mind to it and do it, and even though you may think what you are doing is minimal consider it practice for the the latter.

Sunday Night REwind

2009-03-10T06:11:00.000-07:00

Another Great service here at the "M"
Troy and I have been speaking back to back weeks! wow, I don't know how Pastors across the globe do this every weekend?
I enjoyed speaking today's word, "Lord make us come together"
The videos we made were hilarious!!
After service we had a great white board session. Honestly I love coming together with the team and thinking, creating, dreaming! they are all talented and bring new perspectives to the table.

I truly believe we are picking up NEW momentum and it's time to start building!
-Pastor Ant has some CRAZY (in a good way) Vision right now, but it's crazy enough to work.
-We will be starting our new series this upcoming week ''Defining Moments''
-I have a major headache right now, and want to stop writing, I never get headaches.
-preached the same message @ M.C.E.C, great response as well.
-I truly love expanding the Kingdom of God.

Coming Together

2009-03-09T23:10:00.000-07:00

As we ended our series "One Prayer" Troy Lepisi and I decided to make a (funny) video showing how much we can accomplish together! there is one more video to come later this week, enjoy:
Coming Together from santos samayoa on Vimeo.

What a way to open up your service

2009-03-05T21:42:00.000-08:00

I was amazed when I saw this, and to be an opener for Sunday service WOW it's flipping tight!! Makes me want to ditch sprint and buy an iphone. I wonder if we can ever open up our service like this one day?

7 things to do in these dark times pt.2

2009-03-05T05:53:00.000-08:00

2. I will trust the Lord...(Ps.27:3)- Trusting anyone is the most difficult thing to do! but now you are telling me to trust somebody that I can't even see, feel, or hear? now that is crazy! Yes it may sound like that but trusting in God is something that we can all do. Trusting him with our jobs, family, finances, life. If there is anyone we can and should trust its the creator of this universe the creator of you and I. It's not going to be easy but it's worth it especially now. Trust is just faith, and without fait it is impossible to please God.

3. I will offer joyful sacrifices in His Holy Temple...(Ps.27:6)- In hard times the tithe seems to be the easiest thing to clear from our budgets. It seems like an uneven trade because all God asks for is 10 percent, that's it! doesn't seem like much but in dark times 10 percent feels like your giving away more than your saving. It seems like an uven trade when God wants 10 percent from us while He gave 100 percent when He gave His son Jesus. The area of finances are the only area where God says to test him. Give God your first 10 percent and he'll bless the rest!

if you haven't already start tithing, but times are tough? yes I understand, but God is greater than our problems.

Pencil it in

2009-03-04T06:42:00.000-08:00

Yesterday I heard a great message from Stevin Furtick. He spoke to young leaders and challenged them to carry around a calendar with them. On this calendar you should start penciling in your appointments or your to do list. He says that all though it seemed funny to be carrying around a calendar through high school he got into the habit. It may seem like there is nothing to jot down, but you are preparing yourself for the future.
Now for those of you that know me, well i'm not such an organized person when it comes to tasks and stuff I'm like Mr. Chau's, ''I'm all over the place!'' (haha...ok not so funny) but i'm really challenged to start penciling things into my calendar which I will be carrying. Now I may not be as busy as many pastors but this will be a training for my future. I may not be there right now but i'm preparing for where i'm going?
do you use a calendar? how do you keep this a normal routine in your life?

7 things to do in these dark times pt.1

2009-03-03T18:10:00.001-08:00

We can all agree that these are hard times that we are living in but at the same time it's a great time for believers to show who Christ is to those who don't believe. I don't know about you but things are a bit shaky around my neck of the woods. I mean my job isn't so secure, my pay is average, and the likely hood of me getting another job well it's a must. I have plans for this coming year that are going to include a little bit more than some change, and I think I have done a good job saving but still these dark times seem to grip my heart, but I must remember that God is my source.
Reading through the word I discovered Psalm 27 that revealed 7 things to do in these dark times:

1. So why should I be afraid...(Ps.27:1)- We as believers have HOPE! I believe we must ask ourselves that question, especially now, "why should I be afraid?" Understand that money and prize possessions are just a form of resources but GOD is our ultimate SOURCE. It's easy to allow fear to over take us, I recently heard that fear is faith in a different kingdom. "For God has not given us a spirit of fear but of power and of love and of a sound mind." Instead of feeling fear we must excercise our God given power (faith), love, and a sound mind (peace).

How can you today apply these three excercises in your life?

Blast from the Past!

2009-03-03T17:22:00.000-08:00

here is a blast from the past featuring Pastor Nick, Paez, and Scooty.

Sunday Night REwind

2009-03-01T22:35:00.000-08:00

What a great way to kick off the month of March. Troy and I had an opportunity to preach today at CWCM, we came together to speak our message "Lord make us Followers."
Anytime I see first time visitors it excites me =) I hope they come back, lets keep them in prayers (Monique & Craig)
From the reaction of the crowd, everyone seems to enjoy the Troy&SantZ combo...wait to they see what we have in store for them next week! YOU have to be there.
Today felt different but good, I really enjoyed what P.Ant told me "You looked like you belong there."
Read this quick post by Mark Batterson really put a lot of things into perspective.
Even if it's just one life that comes back to the Lord, then I know that it was worth it.
I love what I'm doing!
Quick shout out to my beautiful and talented girlfriend! Thanks for you prayers Manda. She did a great time in worship and she always gives me good(er) sermon illustrations!! (Queso Dip anyone?)
Great job Troy couldn't have done it without you, also that song you wrote...DANG it was tight.
I heard P.Ant and the Team tore it up!
It's my sisters b-day tomorrow! (wow I'm getting old)
Today was G.R.E.A.T!!

Been Quiet

2009-02-28T13:02:00.000-08:00

So I've been quiet for a while here on my blog, sorry, but it's mainly because I've been super busy. In my time off I've gotten plenty of Ideas to write about but also I have been really thinking of dropping Blogger for Wordpress. Now don't get me wrong this blog has helped me but i think it's time for an uprgrade. Well not sure when the move will be or how? but for right now I'm going to be working on stuff and let you know if anything does happen.

"Who Said that?"

2009-02-25T15:00:00.000-08:00

Here is a quick insert from Mark Batterson Lead Pastor from National Community Church.

Quit living as if the purpose of life is to arrive safely at death. Set God-sized goals. Pursue God-ordained passions. Go after a dream that is destined to fail without divine intervention. Keep asking questions. Keep making mistakes. Keep seeking God. Stop pointing out problems and become part of the solution. Stop repeating the past and start creating the future. Stop playing it safe and start taking risks. Expand your horizons. Accumulate experiences. Enjoy the journey. Find every excuse you can to celebrate everything you can. Live like today is the first day and last day of your life. Don't let what's wrong with you keep you from worshiping what's right with God. Burn sinful bridges. Blaze new trails. Criticize by creating. Worry less about what people think and more about what God thinks. Don't try to be who you're not. Be yourself. Laugh at yourself. Quit holding out. Quit holding back. Quit running away.

IT

2009-02-25T06:39:00.000-08:00

I just finished one of the most challenging books ever! Craig Groeschels book "IT" really goes into the roots of ministry leaders. The things that pastors and leaders are afraid to mention at times are exposed here. I'm glad I was able to read this book and gain wisdom from a successful pastor and creative mind. So if you are a leader get this book. If you have a team of some sort, read this book together. Just go get IT.

Leadership Lessons

2009-02-24T14:59:00.000-08:00

Just came across this site that has collected several leadership material from several blogs around the blogging world. I recently downloaded it and it's filled with bunch of good stuff. Check it out and download it free here.

Sunday Night REwind

2009-02-23T11:24:00.000-08:00

CWCM worship team was out but Pastor Ben and the San Jose worship team came and brought the presence of God.
Had a great time in our journaling class. I enjoy when someone doesn't know how to journal but at the end they are moved by their experience.
Pastor Dan changed his whole sermon at the last minute, I'm glad he went with what the holy spirit was leading him to speak.
Prayer at the end was great. God was giving me some words for individuals.
P. Ant prayed over me and one thing I remember he said was I need to learn how to receive.
The pastors left so BJ, Sylvia, and me stayed to lock up. We entertained ourselves with this clip.
Leebo and Sabrina stopped by, it's always good to see them, miss them both.
I had no thought of going to CWCSJ but since Julian left his backpack and BJ asked me I decided to go with him.
There was some great word that was spoken over me and many others, Everyone was blessesd.
Tonight at MCEC I started the first message about a series on sonship and fathership. We are called "Children of God"
Many were moved, especially those who haven't had a great father figure in their lives.
Keep me in prayers because I have a couple of speaking engagements coming up.
Get to speak chapel for MC on tuesday, I just want to inspire them to not end the year with regrets!

Remembering some Words

2009-02-22T22:16:00.000-08:00

Today there was a prophet and his wife that was at CWCSJ, I feel bad that I don't even know their names. The strangest thing was that I wasn't supposed to be there, but I truly believe God had everything planned out. Who would've thought that because someone left there backpack (thanks Julian) I would've made it to the end of this service.
I honestly wasn't even looking to get prayed over but I did want to hear what they would say about Amanda. I also need to give another thank you to BJ who kept on nudging me to go up there, thanks because if you would've quit I don't think I would've had the courage to step up to the plate. Well I'm not so sure if I remember it all but here is what I do recall:

The prophet really didn't give me a word but he did pray for me (I felt discouraged thought he ran out) but one thing he kept on repeating in his prayer was "you are a son of this church."
His wife spoke prophetic words over me the first one I remember is "you don't have to be confused anymore."
"Choose the thing that you cannot live without, that if you don't have it you feel like you cannot breath."
Something about crazy or feeling crazy??
She mentioned the word Apostolic.

I really don't remember them all and maybe I have a few mixed up, if you were there and remember anymore please let me know.

Oh yeah another thing what do you do after with the word that has been given to you?

HAHAHAHA

2009-02-21T19:40:00.000-08:00

This is what I do on my spare time, but never had the guts to put it up online, this kid is Frickin HILLARIOUS!!

Free Leadership book!

2009-02-19T18:38:00.000-08:00

So if you're not following me yet on twitter you might have not gotten this HUGE hint, BUT i'll get you all in on the secret (which it really isn't) So Catalyst is giving out FREE LEADERSHIP BOOKS!! Yes you heard it FREE!! (everyone likes anything FREE!!) so anyways all YOU have to do is call this number- 1•888•334•6569 then they'll shoot out some updates click #1, after that ask them for the free book, voila and there you go! Just REMEMBER call them during their office hours and they have this going on up until the 21st, so tell all your friends. Oh and another thing just in case you don't believe me check out this video.

Live your life

2009-02-18T13:00:00.000-08:00

This song usually makes me laugh just because it reminds me of this, but if you take time to listen to the lyrics it's pretty inspirational.

Lord God...

2009-02-18T05:48:00.000-08:00

Lord God...I've been teased about always starting my prayers like this but hey that's just who I am. This morning I just felt like praying for YOU.

Lord God I come before you right now and I thank you that you are God. There are several negative voices coming our way through media and technology, but I thank you because you give us hope. Hope for a better future, hope for a stronger family, hope that our lives do count for something. God for the reader who needs a sense of direction, I pray that you may unveil his/her purpose. That although they may never think they can do what you call them to do let them remember that "I can do ALL things through Christ..." For those battling financial storms allow them to trust in you. You are our source and our way of income is just the resource, help us not to walk around with clinch fists but to have them open to give to you and recieve from you. Lord like the good ol saying goes "It gots to get worse before it can get better." I pray that their best life may now be revealed in your name Jesus, Amen

Sunday moment

2009-02-16T18:12:00.001-08:00

Yesterday we had a great service at church, check out some quick updates here. We didn't have a normal service but we did have a breakthrough, an encounter, an unrehearsed experience. Troy asked for us to pray like never before for an individual, so I did, and that person was Vin. As soon as I was done I saw Matt holding his son and decided to go pray for him as well. As I was getting closer I felt God telling me "Let him pray for you." I wasn't sure how Matt would take it but as he saw me slowly approach him, he put his head down ready to be prayed for. I quietly asked him if he could pray for me, and he did.
He prayed one of the most sincere prayers ever. It was truly Matt. He excused himself in the beginning but every word that poured out of his mouth was directly for me. He didn't come with any christian lingo he just prayed what was truly in his heart. I enjoyed each word and was moved by what God told him to speak over me.
At the end of his prayer he gave me a big hug and told me "That was the first time I ever prayed for anyone."

What is God telling you to do? does it require a risk, something that you've never done before? Live a life that is unrehearsed, because not only will you see more of Him but you will see the great work that He wants to do through you.

Sunday Night REwind

2009-02-16T00:32:00.000-08:00

Service was "Unrehearsed" Pastor Anthony gathered us in the back and spoke one word and IT came to life during worship.
I don't know if I can explain what I felt but it was a feeling like God telling us, "You guys are finally getting IT."
Troy asked for us to pray for one another like never before. I went directly to Vin, but right after I went to Matt and I suddenly felt like God told me "tell him to pray for you." so I did IT, and he prayed for me (I want to give this it's own post later on)
No Manny G. but worship team brought IT.
In worship the kids tore IT up! At one point I said that kids running around was a bit of a distraction, but I'm taking it back. Lil man fired me up as he jumped, ran around, and threw up his fist when we sang "say so" for me, he truly led worship.
There really was no "church" but IT was an unforgettable time of worship and impartation.
Our Pastor and his family had a very special moment of honoring for Troy, Mike, Sylvia, Tee, Amanda, and myself. I didn't see IT coming, but IT means alot to me, thank you.
We all went to CPK after church. IT was all good until BUJJU (that's BJ in Japanese) car wouldn't start. (Oh yeah don't ask anyone who shops at valley fair for jumper cables, they don't have any, we asked everyone but had the same answer...NO!)
Tonight was the last day of the conference here at MCEC, and IT ended with a bang! Word+Prophetic words+Prayer+Food= GREAT SERVICE
IT is actually 1am, and I am still on a spiritual high. Thank You Jesus for a Great day.

I guess I didn't mean to do this but I think we have IT. Every line that I wrote had an IT! WE HAVE IT!!

Serving Passionately

2009-02-13T12:38:00.000-08:00

Just found this interview/testimony of Troy Polamalu, check it out:

Stayed home

2009-02-13T10:55:00.000-08:00

I decided to stay home today, mainly because I just needed to slow down. I haven't had much time to think or do anything, I've just been too busy. So today I decided to catch up on a lot of things like:

Devotionals
Prayer
Emails
Blogging
Facebook-ing
Projects
Jogging
Planning
Looking for another job
Listening to Podcast
Reading
Rest

Maybe I wont get through to all of those, but some I may in no particular order. So let my adventure begin.

Not just another day

2009-02-12T21:40:00.000-08:00

Today was just that, it was not just another day! usually I'll end my day of work at 3, then I'll call or text Amanda while running to the the shuttle. Everything seemed to go as followed but then it happened, it became not just another day!
From the corner of my eye I saw a face which seemed familiar but also looked as if something was wrong, real wrong. Being helped by an unknown lady (which I like to call an Angel) my old manager from Starbucks gripped the hands of this woman. My ~~ex-manager~~ FRIEND was in desperate help. See she suffers from epilepsy. For those of you who don't know what that is, here is a quick definition brought to you from wikipedia: Epilepsy is a common chronic neurological disorder characterized by recurrent unprovoked seizure.
I'll never forget the look on her face, it was as if I had been her family friend of twenty years, she gripped my arms and with all her might uttered the words "thank you" We hopped on the shuttle and headed to her doctors.
I was shocked, scared, and thankful that I was even outside at that moment. I started praying in my head and just trying to hold a conversation with her. I've never been in this situation, but it was sad to see a person who I looked up to and took orders from now being in a situation of help and barely being able to speak. It absolutely broke my heart.
I can't believe how it must feel like living with this illness, but I know that she is a strong woman and that one day God will heal her, He did it for my mom and I know He can do it for her. So I ask that you may, in your quiet time pray for my friend.

I NEED COFFEE...

2009-02-11T06:38:00.000-08:00

Monday mornings seem to always be difficult for me at work. I'm coming from a busy non-stop weekend just to enter a busy non-stop week! (yikes) But this Monday was different because I tried Coffee or should I say a "Grande, 6 shot, 6 pump, White Mocha" (this was Troy's suggestion) yes sounds crazy, and it was. Just for the records I'm not a coffee person, but for some reason I was willing to try anything to wake me up!
I had several instances with coffee before but I guess you can say I quit. As kids we used to drink coffee all the time (did you catch that AS KIDS) We come from a hispanic family and whenever there is "Pan dulce" there was coffee. I guess that's the reason why I'm so short? Usually I joke and tell people that I quit coffee at the age of 5, which might be true.
Anyways what I'm trying to say is "don't try a Grande, 6 shot, 6 pump, White Mocha" nah that's not it but just want to say that I need to get better with my scheduling. I heard this lady say "make sure you have your life scheduled, instead of your schedule having your life."
(...Oh ya I still don't like coffee)

Is there anything you can improve in your schedule to make you have a non coffee day?

Daddy (the sequel...I guess)

2009-02-10T17:42:00.000-08:00

As I was finishing up journaling I had a urge to read up on what Pastor Dan had written on his blog. "Daddy" with a title like that who wouldn't want to read his latest post. I could just imagine the heart of a father in a moment like that. Today as I read, these verses stood out and the application that P.Dan gives is for us all.

"God wanted them to look for Him and perhaps search all around for Him and find Him, though He is not far from any of us: 'By His power we live and move and exist.' Some of your own poets have said: 'For we are His children."
-Acts 17:27-28

Calling you out!

2009-02-07T15:39:00.000-08:00

"While they were at Lystra, Paul and Barnabas came upon a man with crippled feet. He had been that way from birth, so he had never walked. He was sitting and listening as Paul preached. Looking straight at him, Paul realized he had faith to be healed. So Paul called to him in a loud voice, “Stand up!” And the man jumped to his feet and started walking." -Acts 14:8-10

O- The bible is such a great book, it just paints a picture in your mind. I don't know bout you, but can you just imagine and picture those verses from above? It describes the odds against this man "...with crippled feet." but it didn't just end there, "...he had never walked." With his body laying on the floor, no one must have taken notice of him, except for one, Paul. Paul looks at him, with eyes that say "this isn't the way it suppose to be." and immediately he sees what a lot of us fail to see, he sees the potential in this mans life. Paul doesn't look at him as who he is but Paul looks at him as who he could be and who he should be. I believe this is a portrait of how every christian should be. We need to stop judging others because they aren't exactly like us, but we have to call out the gold in them.

A- I stand here today (well I'm actually sitting down) as a product of what God has spoken to me through the lives of others. Let me explain, I honestly never have heard God's voice or seen a burning bush that starts talking to me (closest was the bush man telling me to stop taking any pictures of him) but I do believe that God has spoken to me through many people. Pastors, parents, friend, his Word. Many people have seen some type of potential in me, the potential that I've lacked to see in myself plenty of times. They have been like Paul calling out the Gold in my life. If I could I would personally thank each and everyone of you but there are so many.
Who in your life do you need to call out the gold, the potential in? think about it we walk, we work, we go out, we see several people in one day maybe just maybe someone needs to hear that they are able to do the impossible.

P-Lord I don't have any excuses anymore, you have spoken to me through your word. So right now I pray that I may tune my spiritual senses to your radar and I can see what you see, hear what you hear, and feel what you feel. Use me to call the gold in others.

Anyone need a fullback?

2009-02-06T23:55:00.001-08:00

As I was thinking about what to write, I suddenly received a text From Leebo Pomele (My other Brother) and just want to show you what he is up to.

Podcast Experience

2009-02-04T21:06:00.000-08:00

At work I get time to catch up on some podcast, I just wanted to share the top three podcast that I listen to or have been listening to this week.

NewSpring- I'm a huge Perry Noble fan but more than that I'm a huge Jesus fan, and I enjoy hearing Perry's in your face sermons. Lately one that has me on the edge of my seat is their newest series "No perfect people allowed."
Elevation Church- This is Amanda's boy, Steven Furtick. Havent been a big fan of his, but lately what he has been speaking about has really stirred me up. He has a new series that fires me up it's all about leadership called, "Purple people leader." (try saying that 5x fast)
Experience Life- This is kind of a no name church. Probably nobody knows about them but I enjoy hearing Chris Galanos. He is very practical and passionate. They are a church plant that has been blessed by God. Their current series is "Ready to Change"

These are my top three podcast so far, any of you have any suggestions? Big names or small names i'm interested, let me know?

Sunday Night REwind

2009-02-03T18:15:00.000-08:00

Yes I know it's Tuesday, just goes to show how busy I've been for the past week and a half, but I'll try to write as much of my highlights that I can remember:

It was a rough morning (stayed up REALLY late trying to finish a video) but managed to wake up on time.
Having Zai and Lei running around always makes me laugh and sure enough brightens my mornings.
Today was Super Bowl Sunday (which till right now I have yet to see any highlights of the game) so everyone brought either a jersey, shirt, or sweater to represent their favorite team.
We are on our One Prayer Series, "Lord Make us Passionate."
To me P. Ant totally resembles the word Passion! I think having him as my leader, a bit of that passion has transferred to me.
I'm enjoying what God is doing both in Milpitas and here in Daly City.
I'm amazed every Sunday that I get to be part of a church plant here at my fathers church.
There was a surprised visit this Sunday, Amanda came w/o even telling me! I enjoyed it, she encourages me so much.
I'm trying to implement a lot that I've learned at CWC here with the youth.
I usually replay my sermons and dwell on what I did wrong, but it was good hearing Amanda say I did Great!
I had a heart to heart moment, when My mom talked with Amanda. (not really an emotional guy, but that brought some tears to my eyes.) I love both of them :)
We celebrated a night of victory with PUPUSAS, and if you don't know what that is you need to be slapped.
Although I missed the Super Bowl, Sunday was great day!

My Life

2009-01-30T06:37:00.000-08:00

Maybe you read my blog and you know me, maybe you read my blog and you don't know me, or just maybe you don't read my blog at all. Whichever the case maybe, I just want to ask a favor from you! I need your prayers!! I know it seems like a christian cliché but I believe prayer works and God moves at the sound of his children. So if you have some time in your quiet place remember me, I am at a decision point and I want to do what's best for God and for me (kinda sounds selfish, I know). That's it, i'm posting this blog through my phone the first of many.

YouVersion

2009-01-27T20:15:00.000-08:00

Hey everyone well just something quick that I just started this year or in the middle of January is I started a YOUVERSION account. Basically it's an online bible but it allows you to post comments, thoughts, journals up on the web (pretty cool) anyways just wanted to inform you that I've been posting random thoughts on their. It's totally free and a good way to allow others to see what you and the rest of the world are thinking about. Check it out sign up and follow me as I go on this YOUVERSION journey.

Friday Night Highlights

2009-01-24T09:33:00.000-08:00

P. Nick is bringing it every week, I really feel that this is the year for the FUSE to GROW, but it is going to take a lot of hard work from US. Here are some notes I managed to take:

YOU ARE LOVED
Romans 5:6-8 (Footnotes not included, haha, inside joke)
While you were in the deepest sin, He still LOVED you.
People need to know one thing, that they are LOVED by Christ.
Before you accept someone in your life you want to know that they accept you to.
We have a screwed up portrait of who God is.
If you commit the biggest sin ever, He still LOVES you.
You can't escape God's LOVE.
Don't let the door knob hit you where the good Lord split you (haha, just wanted to add this so I wouldn't forget, where do you come up with this stuff)
When you run away from the LOVE of God all you get is pig slop.
Slavery mentality- You think you don't deserve nothing good because you've done all these bad things.
The father ran to his son (God will meet you where you're at)
No matter what he (you) did the father (God) LOVED him.
You don't have to come nice and cleaned up to God, He says come just as you are.
Don't walk around in guilt, shame, or condemnation. Keep your head up!
God doesn't remember your past why do you?

Calling All MC's!!

2009-01-22T17:56:00.000-08:00

Well this is for all MC's out there, and just in case you don't know what that means it's Masters Commission Disciples. I know you are getting ready for Dallas, phone calls, texting, emails, everything. This year SJMC is going to be heading out to Dallas for their yearly Conference, if you want to help them out just click here.
Hey MC I know how crunch time gets, I was there before, but today I want to issue a challenge for ALL of YOU, ready? ok in my comment box I want you to write your best experience in MC thus far? Be specific, details, make it you. It could be funny (John) serious (Tee) or just plain Inspirational (Samson) whatever it may be I/we want to hear about it. Winner will receive a prize...what is it? well a lil somethin somethin. Here are the instructions:

Leave a comment answering question above
Comment can't be longer than 140 characters (I don't want to read an essay, haha)
Just be you!
SUNDAY at 11:59pm is the deadline so you basically have 1 day
Winner will be announced on Next Week (stay tuned, I'll keep you updated)

Who are you telling?

2009-01-21T21:28:00.000-08:00

As I read and thought about what I will journal about one verse kept tugging at me, it's found in Luke 21:13 "But this will be YOUR opportunity to tell them about me."
I started thinking about opportunities that I have had to tell others about Jesus? and sad to say I haven't had one, or haven't found one. But then I started thinking about this Blog, and about Twitter, and about Facebook, and about the Internet. Maybe sharing My/Your faith doesn't always have to be a face to face encounter. Who knows someone on the other side of this screen might be clinging on to every word that I am writing because they need to know about the LOVE of Jesus. One thing I've learned in life is that opportunities come in all shapes and sizes, and most of the time they never come in the nice package you were expecting.
With that said I challenge every Blogger, Twitter-er, Face Booker, Myspacer, and what ever other -er is out there, use this or any other platform as your opportunity to tell THEM about Jesus!

MLK Day

2009-01-19T16:55:00.000-08:00

When we think about Martin Luther King Jr. We all remember his great speech, or atleast a part of that speech, "I have a dream!" I remember being young and learining about MLK in school. For some this is just a day to get off of work but for others this is a time to reflect on the past and keep moving forward. Here are some MLK Quotes, enjoy:

A man who won't die for something is not fit to live.
A nation that continues year after year to spend more money on military defense than on programs of social uplift is approaching spiritual doom.
Almost always, the creative dedicated minority has made the world better.
An individual has not started living until he can rise above the narrow confines of his individualistic concerns to the broader concerns of all humanity.
At the center of non-violence stands the principle of love.
Change does not roll in on the wheels of inevitability, but comes through continuous struggle. And so we must straighten our backs and work for our freedom. A man can't ride you unless your back is bent.
Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.
Every man must decide whether he will walk in the light of creative altruism or in the darkness of destructive selfishness.
Faith is taking the first step even when you don't see the whole staircase.
Freedom is never voluntarily given by the oppressor; it must be demanded by the oppressed.
I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin, but by the content of their character.
I want to be the white man's brother, not his brother-in-law.
Life's most urgent question is: what are you doing for others?
Love is the only force capable of transforming an enemy into friend.

Friday Night Highlights

2009-01-17T09:40:00.000-08:00

Amazing service last night! Pastor Nick, who just started his blog check it out here, just laid out the vision for The Fuse '09! Anytime anyone speaks about vision I can't help but to get pumped up. Here are some qoutables that just fired me up:

Pastor is the standard, I want to challenge you with my life.
If I am not equipping you to do your job, then I SUCK at my job!
I need to get you from being ministered to, to being a minister.
I stand ACCOUNTABLE!
You have the same Jesus I have.
You are a miracle and you need to tell someone/everyone!
Won by One
What I am going to do is give you permission to live your God purpose.

Accountability pt. 1

2009-01-16T04:50:00.000-08:00

Well it's about to be 5 in the morning and I have been awake since 4 but it's funny how God speaks to one, or at least to me. This morning I woke up to "FaceBook" and saw that some friends are going to try to start a mini Accountability group via Facebook. Now how we will do this, not sure yet, but guessing of making a website (if anyone has experience in this let me know cuz we want to make something tight that isn't just for us but to spread around the web) that is user friendly and has lots of advice, stories, prayers, and links to various help out there.
Well After reading all that and getting pumped up about starting an accountability group I decided to pray and open up my bible. I started reading in Genesis 39. If you don't know what happens in this single chapter it's when Joseph is sent to Potiphars home, and even there God makes him successful! Everyone see's the success of this young man, even Potiphars wife (who I like to call HOT-TIPHAR, c'mon if you work with the king you aint gunna marry just anybody) So Hot-tiphar really really wants to have SEX with Joseph, it says that she came tempting and flaunting all her junk EVERYDAY!! How can a man resist THAT? Well Joseph did, and so can WE. Jospeh refused to lay all his dreams on the bed of sin, and we to may come up against many situations like this.
So gentlemen if HOT-tiphar is around in your life, I have 3 words for you...RUN FOREST RUN!!

Identifying your strengths

2009-01-15T19:49:00.001-08:00

Read a great section in my book, "The Truth about you" by Marcus Buckingham, and just wanted to share a little quick bit on how to identify one's strength. We all can acknowledge that we are strong in some areas but also weak in other areas in life. I don't know about you but listing my weaknesses was ALOT easier than listing my strengths, but here is a great way to identify them:

Roller Coaster Ride

2009-01-14T20:44:00.001-08:00

WOW!! My life seems to feel like a roller coaster ride right now!! I don't know about you, but I usually am scared before any ride I get on (FYI I don't do good on the little tea cup rides...blah) but then the thrill of being on the ride itself and the sense of accomplishment makes the fear seem like this lil itty-bitty thing. So in a sense my life seems like I am waiting in line for this gigantic, crazy, loopty-loop, 5 story drop ride!! and the closer I am getting to this ride in life the the farther I am from safety and comfort. I'm not even on the ride and I want to back out, but if I do I know I am going to regret it. Have you ever felt that way?
I know there is a cliche that goes around in the beginning of every New Year, "Change is going to happen this year!" Well I guess I missed the memo or no one ever told me that CHANGE was going to happen this SOON. Today my Pastor wrote something that spoke and is speaking to my heart right now, you can read about it here. I am faced with several decisions, opportunities, tasks, and future choices that will change everything. Many of these, my heart is settled but others my heart and mind just can't comprehend. I am waiting in line and every step that I take my heart feels like it's going to pop out of my chest, makes my hands sweat, and makes me want to take 2 steps backwards and start running away.
I write all these feelings down to find out that all this is just a part of an in-complacent life! I don't want to be average, I don't want to be normal, I wasn't called to live that life. Two things can happen on the way to the ride of your life:

1. You can back out, and regret it for the rest of your life.
or

2. You can step up and enjoy the best ride ever.

I choose #2 how about you?

The BIG 5

2009-01-13T04:33:00.000-08:00

Welcome everyone!! well I am very EXCITED to launch to first of several posts on "The Big 5" you can read more about what it is on the link above. But enough waiting, let me present the first individual....
Well this individual has played a major role in my life and it seems like every and any person that he comes in contact he does the same. Some may call him hard worker, encourager, musician, athlete, but I like to call him my "brother!" I've enjoyed seeing him pursue his dreams and I can't wait for the BIG one to happen, pretty soon, He is married to a beautiful and devoted wife, please help me welcome #51 from Kansas State, Ulla Pomele:

Living The Dream:

1. How does it feel being one step closer to living the dream?

I am stunned and in awe of what God has graciously done in my life. I can finally say that I am one step closer to becoming a professional athlete and even more. The year 09 feels much different than the past years. Before leaving California, family and friends asked if we were sad about going back to Kansas? My answer to them all is,
I AM READY TO GO TO WORK! I have never in my life spoke these words entering into a new year. I know that I’m going to face bigger and challenging obstacles, but I am willing to fight for my God, family, friends, and for the unborn generation. Nervous, you may ask? There is quite a large ton flowing through my body.

2. What kind of leadership skills have you gained at Kansas State?

I can’t exactly tell you if I gained any, but I know without a doubt I’ve mature in some leadership skills.

3. What do you miss most of California?

I miss being together with my family and friends. And I can’t forget the food!

4. What experience have you learned from your wins? and your losses?

Wins: How to be content, consistent (more work at this area), increase of thankfulness and love, cherish and enjoy the moment.
Losses: Staying humble because it is very easy to complain, Gives me a great lesson on how to prepare myself in avoiding a lost or facing lost

5. Best memory of SJMC?

There are many I can recall but the one that still runs the motor in my life is the quality time spent with You, Leebo, Ant & Tara & Zai, at the old house!

A couple more hours till...

2009-01-08T20:26:00.000-08:00

So I wanted to do something NEW today and also b/c I ran out of time. So we only have a few more hours till I have to go to bed, and we have to go do something. I recorded this short video on TokBox you can play it and it will explain what is happening in my life in the next couple hours.

www.tokbox.com

Oh yeah if you want to see how I warm up check this out, it was pretty funny didn't know it was recording.
Well Gnite everyone, will keep you updated on our roadtrip, LA here we come!!

The Truth About You

2009-01-07T20:28:00.000-08:00

A couple months back, way back, I won something, yes I WON SOMETHING. Now you may be wondering what I won, but first I just want to say what I had to do. Tony Morgan, the chief strategic officer (sounds like the best title/job EVER) at NewSpring, put up a challenge on his blog. He asked all his blog readers to write one single truth about him or herself. Well I decided to take a shot, since no one really wins anything. So I wrote, I wrote one truth about myself and you can check it out here. Might have to do a little searching to find my name, but I'm in there. So if you haven't read the post, Tony Morgan was giving away 5 free books, and I am the proud owner of a free copy of "The truth about YOU" by Marcus Buckingham.
I believe it was yesterday or Monday that P.Ant asked what books are we going to be reading this year? well I found my book, "The truth about you." I hope it does help me identify my strengths and weaknesses. Read the first chapter today and it's good and practical. Thank you Tony Morgan.
So as the New Year is here are there any New books on your list that you will be reading? any recommendations?

I don't have nothing!

2009-01-07T06:00:00.000-08:00

S- But Abram said, "Lord God, what can you give me? I have no son, so my slave Eliezer from Damascus will get everything I own after I die." Abram said, "Look, you have given me no son, so a slave born in my house will inherit everything I have." -Genesis 15:2-3

O- I know it's not good to be jealous, but I'm jealous at the relationship that Abram (or Abraham) had with God. At one point in the scriptures it even mentions God standing up and leaving the presence of Abraham. WOW that is a deep one on one with God. But like every person that you like their might be one or two things that bother you and this is one of them. When God is talking one on one with Abraham, he does what ALL of us do, oh sorry what I do often, and that is he looked at what he didn't have instead of what God was telling him he will have. How many of us have been in this same scenario, a tug-o-war with God. He explains how He will use us in BIG and MIGHTY ways but we often can't see it happening b/c we are too focus on what we don't have. For some of us God is calling s to take risks, to give more, to do more but all in all we have to take our sight off the mirror and into the telescope.

A- I have buried many so called "great achievements for God" because of the fact that I look at myself rather than at God. Of course when I looked in the mirror I could see all my weaknesses, all my insecurities, all of my short comings and they have pushed back my walk with God. I'm understanding this in life, that everything I have achieved up to this point is not and could not have been because of ME but it was all because of HIM.

P- God today I don't look at myself, because if I do I will find an excuse not to believe, not to do your work, not to take a risk. I understand that I am in the middle of a turning point in my life and I NEED you. So no more looking at what I don't have but I look up to you and see what you have for me, a bright future.

BIBLE JOURNEY...

2009-01-06T18:38:00.000-08:00

Genesis 15:
2-3- don't look at what you don't have, look at what He has promised.
8-there always seems to be doubt when trusting God.

Genesis 16:
2-God doesn't need help!
8-"where have you come from & where are you going?"
11-The lord hears our cries

Genesis17:
4- what agreement has God made with you?
6-what NEW nations (ministries) will be born from you?
7-He is YOUR God...MY God.
16-Proclaim this for your children: "Kings of nations will come from her"
21-Gods promises don't always happen in an instance, this one was going to take a full year. what have you been waiting for?
22-God rose? so was God sitting and talking with Abraham? man I want that kind of relationship with God.

Luke 6:
2- Jesus wasn't afraid to do things different, he pushed the buttons, even in church.
11-I think the pharisees were jealous of Jesus, b/c he was doing (miracles) what the pharisees were doing. You know what I'm guilty for doing the same. Why can't we celebrate with another man of God, everything doesn't have to be competition.
17-As leaders we have to come to a "level ground" with our followers.
18- This is for those who don't believe in going to conferences. People CAME to hear Jesus. Probably the cost wasn't $200 but the cost of walking to where He was, might equal $200.
27-31-I hope the words of Jesus bother you, because what he says just seem outrageous, but that is the life we are called to live.
37-The real "F" word=Forgive
38-there is a promise when we give, so why not?
40-our ultimate goal as students is to become like the teacher...Jesus.
46-If He is not LORD of ALL he's not LORD at ALL!

His love continues forever!

2009-01-05T22:30:00.000-08:00

Today was the start of our "Week of Prayer" at CWC. I'm coming in this week with an expectancy like never before. I understand that our launch day is getting closer so the attacks are getting heavier. Tonight I just want to share a quick Psalms that the Lord showed me. During prayer I opened my bible to Psalms 136, it's a quick read and in order to understand what I am going to write you would have to have read the chapter.

Throughout this chapter ONE phrase is repeated several times, ONE phrase stands to be true, ONE phrase that is still applicable today and that is..."His LOVE continues forever!"
as I read through this chapter it seemed like after every sentence I would have to say, "His love continues forever." to my surprise at the end of the chapter I realized and memorized ONE truth about God, "His love continues forever."
I started to think about this chapter and applying it to my life how would this chapter look if I would of written it?

In times of joy, His love continues forever.

In times of Financial chaos, His love continues forever.
On this journey called life, His love continues forever.
When everything looked like it was going to fail, His love continues forever.
The times I cried and no one saw, His love continues forever.
Praying for God to do a miracle, His love continues forever.
Feeling at times like no one loved me, His love continues forever.
Doubts telling me I can't, His love continues forever.
In the middle of all of this, His love continues forever.

So remember no matter what you are facing today in life...His love continues forever.

Sunday Night REwind

2009-01-05T06:00:00.000-08:00

Woke up at the crack of dawn to go help set up @ SJ but the car was FROZEN!! and so was the field at Overfelt.
Oh yeah it was FREEZING!! but it was cool to see that the ones helping set up were mainly from CWCM (not to brag) but it does reflect our leader.
Chai tea latte @ Peetes coffee SUCKS!!
Here are some notes from sunday's service, P. Ant really challenged everyone.
Found out Jessica is heading out to Hawaii for school, at least I'll have one friend out in Hawaii, haha.
Oh ya I got to post this, Friday Night we had a Rock Band party @ P.Nicks house (well I think we just invited ourselves) It was fun just kickin it w/ everyone. Here's a video but it's really bad (REAL BAD)
It was so cool to have the Contrrerras with us (Jesse, Marsha, Elena, Julian, Raquel, & Katrina) they just bring new life to the church.
Tonight I spoke about a tough subject @ MCEC. It was titled "Fighting for what's right." I explained some struggles that young people wrestle with, SEX being one of them.
I have no experience in the SEX category but this is what I said. "I can't wait to have sex because I know it's going to be GOOD, in it's time. How many of you know that God created sex, and everything that God made is GOOD." you can bet that rose alot of eyebrows.
We did a skit called "Dos seres hay en mi" you can watch it here.
Amanda starts her estetician school tomorrow, I'm so excited for her! Go Amanda!!!
I lay here on the floor of my room hearing...silence, my brother is gone :(
Ok back to work tomorrow, so Gnite everyone.
Keep me in prayers. This week at W.O.P (Week of Prayer) I'm asking God for an answer.

Bowling with the CUZOS

2009-01-04T21:13:00.000-08:00

Hey everyone well here is a sneak peek into my life! One thing I love about my family is that we just like having fun check us out "Bowling with the Cuzos."

The Call is all that counts

2009-01-03T20:56:00.000-08:00

S-"that night some shepherds were in the fields nearby watching their sheep. then an angel of the lord stood before them. the glory of the lord was shining around them, and they became frightened." -Luke 2:8-9
O- I'm reminded of the first sermon I ever heard from T.D Jakes "the call is all that counts" the call of God is truly all that counts in life. I loved how Luke sets up this story. The birth of our lord & savior, but before he goes any further he mentions those that were called; which were the lonely shepherds. notice one thing though, the shepherds were working, they were living the life that God set out for them to live. In those times no one wanted to be a shepherd but that was who they were and in the middle of their assignment God calls them. Remember the call is all that counts. but look how they received the call...with fear! knowing the call that God has set upon my life to lead others has clinched my heart with fear several times. It seems that every call of God also brings a sort of fear. Just recently for the new years celebration I had a chance to talk with Mike G. about if he ever gets nervous or afraid up on stage, and with his simple answer he replied, "yes all the time." he asked me the same thing & I replied with the same answer but I also mentioned that "knowing myself I would never stand in front of a crowd and dare speak! that's just not me, I know myself." but see when the call is on your life, that's really all that counts. Fear gone, nervousness gone, insecurities or doubts gone. The call is what counts.
A- I know personally that I'm a fearful person, I'm always thinking bout the next step & it usually drowns out the voice of God. if I know that I'm called by God then there isn't a reason to waiver. I need to re-establish a firmer foundation.
P- Lord remind me that your call is all that counts.

1st journal of 2009!!

2009-01-01T22:07:00.000-08:00

Well I didn't want to start the year on the wrong foot, so I enjoyed my journaling time on bart so here is the first journal of '09:

Stuck in the middle

S- "Then the Lord God planted a garden in the east, in a place called Eden, and put the man he had formed into it. The Lord God caused every beautiful tree and every tree that was good for food to grow out of the ground. In the middle of the garden, God put the tree that gives life and also the tree that gives the knowledge of good and evil." -Genesis 2:8-9

O- Ok these 2 verses raised up several questions in my spirit first of all, have you ever felt like God has put you in the middle of a certain situation or place? Where it seemed different, uncomfortable, and even at times it may feel like God is not even close! well I've been in this predicament before and all you can really do is rough it out. See the "middle" usually isn't the place where you want to be at. When you're going on a long trip, no one in there right mind yells "I want the middle seat!" also growing up as a middle child I usually felt like the one who gets less attention, less loved, an felt like the odd one out. To make my point the "middle" isn't the best place to be at.
The next part is my favorite though which states that God put the tree that gives life, where? yup you guessed it...in the "middle". See it's in the "middle" of the turmoil that God meets us, it's in the "middle" of the chaos where God brings peace, it's in the "middle" where God shows up. I guess to wrap up talking about the "middle", I'm reminded of an Oreo cookie. we all know that the best part of an Oreo isn't the 2 stale black cookies but rather the cream feeling which is located in the "middle". To receive the life that God intended us to live we too will have to meet him in the "middle", but don't worry that's where we will enjoy his sweet presence.

A- as much as I hate being in the middle, I guess it's not a bad place to be in. I truly believe that if I'm put in the "middle" it will actually build my faith and trust in God.

P-Lord I want to start this new year right, and can't think of a better way to start it than with YOU. I love you and like PD has preached, "We got next!" let that be the anthem for me this year!

Catalyst West Coast

2008-12-30T17:27:00.001-08:00

OK well there is exactly one more day to register for Catalyst West Coast!! Some maybe wondering why I am ranting on about this conference? Well besides that it's one of the elite conferences on the face of this earth it's also the closest Catalyst conference out here in the west coast! Usually all these conferences are held out in Atlanta, where all the big dogs of ministry are at, but on April 22-24 WE have a chance to experience the full blown out Catalyst experience. Not only that one of my favorite speakers is going to be there, Perry "Flippin" Noble!! this I know for sure, I will never get a chance to go to South Carolina to hear him preach but I will definitely drive a couple hours to do so. Ok ok I'm getting excited just thinking and writing this, I really don't want to get my hopes up for nothing. I sit here staring at their website and man I know this will help me/us out. In this upcoming year myself and a group of others will be launching out to Hawaii under the lead of Pastor Anthony Vasquez to start CWCHawaii. I personally want to be prepared for our church launch and I will have to say that I will do anything to get prepared. So am I really going to go? What do you think, should I? Well only tomorrow will tell.

Amazed by You

2008-12-29T21:05:00.001-08:00

S- "...When I saw the woman, I was very amazed. Then the Angel said to me, "Why are you amazed? I will tell you the secret of this woman and the beast she rides-the one with seven heads and ten horns." -Revelation 17:6-7

O- Wow it seems like getting anything out of Revelation is difficult to do, but this one phrase stood out to me "Why are you amazed?" it's funny how we can look back at this soon to end 2008 year, and we stand amazed at everything that has happened both the good and the bad. For some of us we are amazed at how great this year was! maybe it was a wedding, a graduation, or just achieving a new plateau in life. But maybe for others we stand amazed, but not in a good way, at how crazy this year was in the economics of this nation, at the plunges of housing, and the scorching prices of gas. No matter where you stand in the line of amazement I can just picture God asking us, "Why are you amazed?" See for God there is nothing that is going to catch him by surprise, there is nothing that we as mankind can do to shock Him or even...amaze Him. God knew what was going to happen, like I said the good and the bad, in 2008. God stands as Omnipresent, present at all times, Omniscient, all knowing, and Omnipotent, all powerful. So as this new year comes along, remember that nothing amazes God, why? because he already planned our lives, from beginning to end.
A- As 2009 approaches I want to be ready, but even then all my plans may be put on hold as he unfolds his major plan. I stand amazed not because of what I have achieved but because how great God is, that he can use someone like me to attempt to change the world. I can't wait for another amazing year.
P-Lord I give my life to you. That for me this adventure is amazing but for you, it's just what you ordered. Amen.

Sunday Night REwind

2008-12-29T17:41:00.000-08:00

It was so cool to see Ulla & Liz again, man it's been a while since I've seen them. They just have a way to make others smile.
Knowing that this was the last Sunday of '08 made me want to go all out. I reminded the team about something that Troy said, "In order to start the year strong, we need to finish strong!"
All morning I had one thing on my mind..."I'm going to the Niner game, yeah!"
For Christmas, my wonderful girlfriend gave me some niner tickets. 23 years living in the bay, this was my first game EVER!!! Oh ya Niners won baby, woo hoo!!!
We are still eating tamales :)
P. Ant preached about vision, wasn't there but God is stirring me up to start declaring a New Vision for 09.
New Years means new goals. I usually keep up with my goals for at least the first 2 months, but lately my life schedule has been thrown off, I need to get back on track.
Had a good time in prayer, I truly believe God is stirring me up for something BIG this year, but it's going to cost me something.
Well that's all for today, this Sunday was AMAZING.

Sunday Night REwind

2008-12-21T21:55:00.000-08:00

HAPPY BIRTHDAY SAMSON!!!
Today was a kind of a rough day , we were short handed on staff, but at the end of it all we all played our parts and accomplished every task.
Although Manny, Tara, & Amanda weren't here to sing the band still did their thing! Mike G. tore it up, Vince hit those ivory keys, Tee well she did what she's always been doing every Sunday, Rueben held it down on the Bass, Troy...well he's just Troy, and Great job Carolyn!
I really needed to hear today's message. Pastor Ant thanks for doing what God has called you to do.
Here are some quick notes I managed to write during service.
Robert Sepolveda bought us PIZZA!! yah I was shocked to, haha.
It was cool hanging out with Praises, Sylvia, BJ, Manda.
Ate to much pizza, ughhh.
Tonight's service, I preached about ending the '08 Year! I always love this part of the year because I set new goals, gather new vision, and just reflect on the year that has passed.
WOW a lot has been happening at my dad's church, I have to say he is one of the most successful church planters. I can't wait for CWC Hawaii to launch, it's in my blood.
Can't wait to talk to Manda before going to bed.
God is GOOD.
Finals are almost over, so I'll be back on track with my blog.
Love yall Gnite.

Twitter

2008-12-11T18:53:00.001-08:00

Well today I was twitter-less, haha! Basically I was left without a phone today (actually I forgot it) so I decided to jot down on a piece of paper what would have been an excellent day to TWITTER. So here goes my day thus far in twitter posts:

Gmornin Manda, I hope u have a great day! We r havin our Christmas party!
WOW there is tons of work
Enjoyed writing Spirit of a survivor.
Wish I could attend @Tonymorganlive mogul meeting
Yes! going to be a short day @ work since we have a party, hope there is good food :)
Yummy food :)..
Ok the chicken isn't so good, a lil dry but I'm hungry.
@ant6248 wow times are tough, God is Good.
won a tote bag in the raffle, yes a tote bag???
I'm off work heading home!
nobodies home :(
Yess my phone, now time 2 talk to @amikk
I'm gunna kick it w/ my mommios

Spirit of a Survivor

2008-12-10T22:23:00.000-08:00

Well today in class my professor said something that really stirred me up he said "You all have a spirit of a survivor!" He mentioned this as he told us to look around the room, there is only a few of us that have lasted this far and we have yet to quit. A spirit of a survivor! how awesome is that.
Today's journaling had a verse that made me think about this "Survivor Spirit" it says:

"I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith."

Paul, the greatest apostle of all is coming to the end of his legacy and knows without a shadow of a doubt that he has left everything in that ring! that everything he was sent to do has been FINISHED. Although Paul suffered greatly he survived the fight. Any time the bible talks about fighting I can't but help think about Rocky! and I enjoyed his latest movie when he says "It's not about how hard you hit, it's about how hard you can get hit and keep moving forward."

We have all taken some big blows in life, and just like my teacher asked the classroom to look around and see how many people are left, I ask you to look around...See you're still here, you're still standing, You're a survivor.

Building Relationships

2008-12-09T22:43:00.000-08:00

Whenever you have a good day it just seems to affect every other area of your life! Yesterday night was an awesome bible study, Tara's prayed for all of us, and I would have to say she was RIGHT ON! A night of worship, tears, the word and cookies what more could we ask for. Last night affected my morning. I woke up earlier and started my day right, and throughout my day I just had several people in my mind and was thinking a lot about my relationships with folks. In a season where we give gifts I was reminded about building relationships. So today I sought to do just that. Any way I could I was going to force myself to build new relationships or just strengthen old ones. Building relationships, for me consisted of:

Visiting my old crew at StarBucks. It was so great seeing each of them, all though I haven't been there in about 5 months it seemed like we just picked up where we left off. I really enjoyed working at Sbux, and no not because of the FREE drinks but truly because of the relationships I built with each person. And if you are from the CREW and you're reading this, well I missed yall and I'm glad I got to see you today!
Got to visit my friend Danny. I haven't seen him since his bachelor party when we went bowling. He has been some what of a little brother that I always took pride in protecting. I remember when he lived with us for a while he taught me how to make a quesadilla. Anyways my friend Danny is married now and living with his wife. Although they're young they are both growing and learning. He gave me great advice that maybe some young couples will never hear. I was glad he was open and vulnerable when he talked about his relationship. Thanks Danny! (The food was good huh?)
And lastly the last way I built relationships was through networking services such as my 2 big ones Twitter & Facebook. Some may say I twitter too much, but I don't think so, anyways twitter has helped me network not just with our team but also with other church planters all over the US. I didn't know much about it but now I am seeing the benefits of twitter! next is Facebook, now I am still new to it just have around 2 months of using it and so far it has helped me to connect not just with fellow church followers but also with my old friends. I always post something there and who knows that if one time they get a chance to read this blog maybe something will spark in them to change. (I am praying for that)

Glad to say that today was a day filled with building and building relationships that will last.

How will YOU build relationships that will LAST?

Sunday Night REwind

2008-12-07T17:21:00.000-08:00

Well before I start writing some thoughts about today I gotta mention yesterday's fight...Pacquiao Kicked some BUTT!!
This morning was an unusual one I woke up earlier than usual so I decided to read my bible. You know when you just open it and ask God let this word be for me (I know you've done that before or am I the only one?) well it landed on Psalms 90 a verse that stood out to me and showed itself to be true in today's service was Psalms 90:2 "...You are God. You have always been, and You will always be."
One of our church members went to be with the Lord. I know it was a hard day for the family to be there but I was so glad that they showed up. It encouraged me and I hope that today's message was an encouragement to them as well. You can read more about our Pastors heart In the "Matters of life and..."
Although it seemed like service would have a gloomy cloud over it's head, the church came together as a family and became the support for the Apolinar family. When you hurt, we hurt.
So Amanda created an awesome icebreaker/intro skit, alot of people said it was funny but nobody was able to record it, boo :( but I did manage to save a short practice of Zai and I, he did a great job.
The "Grinch" was a successful service, wonder if we could have played it out for a whole month?
After it was all said and done I couldn't just go home without seeing Amanda. She's been real sick the past few days, but I'm glad she's getting her rest. (remember keep drinking OJ and take your medicine, night quil is good, huh?)
Forgot My sister went to the NINERS game, I'm jealous :( at least we won, yesss! what now raider fans, haha!
Talked to my brother, he always knows how to enourage me when I'm down, thanks bro.
getting ready for church service, I'm debating if I should turn tonight into a teaching service rather than a preaching service.
On another note keep my dad and his church in prayers (MISION CRISTIANA EL CALVARIO) they are looking to buy a place they can call home, I'm so excited for them!!
As MCEC keeps on growing I'm learning that leadership is desperately needed. How do you develop leaders, but leaders that will remain faithful and want to work?
Took the boys out for some In-N-Out...I honestly hate In-N-Out, YUCK! but it was cool taking the boys and just talking about life. Some times you just got to get away from the church setting and just be you.
Ok I'm wrapping things up, long day but a good day.
Keep Amanda in your prayers she's feeling under the weather Get well soon Manda Panda :)
Gnite every1

Guest Journal

2008-12-07T06:00:00.000-08:00

Well tonight's journal comes from someone close to my heart my BIG brother, Orlando. I have and will always look up to him he uses simple words but his words seem to always reach deep to everyone's heart, so I pray that this quick journal entry gives you hope, brings back joy, and challenges you.

"For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light" -Ephesians 5:8

My old ways aint gunna cut it no more. Ever since I accepted the Lord as my savior I'm challenged to be the light, I represent the big man “GOD”. Not my will be done but his will.
Living out here alone away from every body has been tuff I have to admit, out of all the test or challenges I have faced walking the righteous path is the most difficult of all but yet it is rewarding. I thank God for every opportunity he has given me and the people he has surrounded me with. I just try to remember to lead by example you can talk the talk and play the part but if you aint living or practicing what you preach well its all in vain.

Characters is all you have and character is what people see so watch your thoughts, for they become words. Watch your words, for they become actions. Watch your actions, for they become habits. Watch your habits, for they become character.Watch your character, for it becomes your destiny......

Thank you Lord for all that you have done help me to continue to stay strong in your word guide me and use me I love you and I need you amen……………………….

Knowing God's Promises

2008-12-06T08:13:00.000-08:00

"I pray also that you will have greater understanding in your heart so you will know the hope to which he has called us and that you will know how rich and glorious are the blessings God has promised his holy people." -Ephesians 1:18

One of my favorite spots to hang out and read the bible or any other book is Starbucks. I just enjoy the people, the music, the setting, oh yeah and the iced chai latte (or Horcahta that's what I like to call it) It seems like everything makes my experience there a great one! So as I was in Sbux yesterday I came along this verse and I started to think "How do I KNOW the promises of God? What do they SAY about me?"
For the longest of time I always wished I had internet service here at Sbux, it would just make my experience even better. I remember times when I'd bring my laptop and just stare at it in hopes that I would magically receive internet someway somehow, but nothing. Not to long ago I asked my mom what kind of service plan we have and what is included in our plan, to my surprise our plan ALREADY includes free wifi at any AT&T hotspot!
So what I'm trying to say is this, that the internet service, the one I so desperately wished I had, I already had it. It was already mine, but because of my lack of KNOWING I wasn't able to receive it.
Many of us live life that way, walking around with the promises of God right in front of us but because our lack of knowledge we aren't able to receive them. Dig through the scriptures and search for the promises of God and once you have it hold on to it and come into agreement that HIS promise is YOUR promise.

I AM SECOND

2008-12-04T17:04:00.000-08:00

Going through my daily blog roll this website "I AM SECOND" was mentioned. Not knowing what it was all about, I was glad I came across it. If you have time check it out, it's pure testimonies of people that you and I might know. Some are actors, athletes, and musicians. I clicked on a familiar face, Josh Hamilton, some might not know who he is but he's a baseball player who made a tremendous comeback last year in the MLB. As I watched his clip it gave me goosebumps, not because it's a sad story but because you see the power of God and His work in someones life.
I thought to myself...If I was on that hot seat what would I say? (maybe i'll make my own video)
All the videos conclude with a declaration and I want to end this with the same declaration...I AM SANTOS SAMAYOA AND I AM SECOND.

Missing my Bro

2008-12-03T05:50:00.000-08:00

Well as you may all know my brother came down last week for the holidays. We always have a great time when he's around. Since my brother is super buff now, he decided to help my mom workout, I caught a glimpse of the strenuous workout it's pretty funny :) here is a quick peek into my families life, hope you like it!

The First

2008-12-02T18:57:00.000-08:00

Everyday at work I have a chance to catch up on listening to podcasts and hearing many great pastors like Craig Groeschel, Andy Stanley, Perry Noble, Steven Furtick, T.D. Jakes and many more. Todays sermons all touched up on a basic truth, tithing. Now I blogged about this before you can check it out here. But today their messages challenged me to evaluate what God has given me and decide if I should go beyond the regular 10%.
Not only that as I was on my Exodus Journey I encountered a whole chapter that lines up with tithing so to me this is definitely a sign from God. Exodus 22:29 is the verse that pushed me over the edge "Do NOT hold back your offering from the first of your harvest and the first wine that you make.."
I honestly believe that God gave me this position and job that I am in at CPMC. I look at myself and wonder sometimes "what the heck am I doing here? I don't suppose to be going up this ladder this quickly, but I am." This job is definitely God because I know that by my own merits I would not be here. Reminds me of the Joseph story.
Listening to these sermons you can't but help to get excited about giving but what about when God puts it in your heart to raise your tithe? is that biblical? can you really do that? or is that some way of trying to be better than everyone else? these are the thoughts and questions that rise, but on the other hand I also think God gives me 100% of my check he deserves way more than 10%, God has been too good to me, my family, and to my church.
I read a commentary that I want to share with everyone pertaining to the principal of tithing here it is:

"Get into the habit of tithing as soon as you have the time, money, or talent. Tithing is not just about money. It's about whatever God gives you as gain. You might discover that you have more time than you used to . Give 10 percent back to God. You may be blessed with additional abilities or position or power. Give 10 percent to His agenda."

Tithing does not only consist of our money how about if we would give God the first of our time, money, and talents? If there is 24 hours in a day then that means 10% of that is 2 hours and 40 minutes dedicated to God and God alone.

God I thank you because I can honestly say that I AM RICH! maybe not according to wallstreet but according to you I am. I have everything I need family, friends, a church, clothes, food, and some money in my account. Throughout this day i wrestled with the thought of giving more mainly because I know that you have given me a lot more sometimes more than I deserve. Lord forgive me for not taking this job more seriously, thinking thoughts that I shouldn't be the one doing this. Lord you placed me here not man, and I believe that this job will be my starting point in saving and stewarding money not the way i know how but the way you direct me to. I think about Hawaii, marriage, and the future and worry about finances; God I don't want to worry anymore so with this I say...I Trust you.

Throughout the whole messages I've come to a conclusion, GOD DOESN'T NEED OUR MONEY, WE NEED GODS BLESSINGS.

Sunday Night REwind

2008-11-30T22:36:00.000-08:00

I received a text at 6am from m brother as he headed out to the airport back to SD, man I miss him already. Can't wait for Christmas!
Great service today, Pastor Dan & Masters Commission ministered, you know it was going to be good.
Sermon title "Raise your Praise" (doesn't that just PUMP you up?) the walls of Jericho were knocked down by the praise of the Israelites.
The Jericho video has to be one of my new favorite human videos, you can check out a quick bit here.
I had a chance to break bricks today, yes I broke bricks! I was the letter E in J-E-R-I-C-H-O. Every time I break bricks I always get injured but besides a couple scratches I'm good.
We went out to eat with the Portillo's after church, it's always a blessing to see them and learn from them. Love you guys.
Well Leebo & Sabrina's wedding was yesterday and it was a success! thanks for letting me be a part of the celebration.
Yesterday I was asked by almost everyone "Hey Santz so when's your wedding?" all this wedding talk has made me think a lot about marriage. So we'll have to wait to see what the Lord has to say about what the future holds.
After our lunch I had a chance to kick it with Amanda, it was great! we went to the park where I asked her out. Whenever we go out there we just enjoy the view and reflect on how far we have come. Thanks for the memories :)
Working on this quick video, it's getting late I'm tired.
Overall today was a GREAT day!! a life well lived.
Gnite...I hope

Set Margins

2008-11-24T23:28:00.000-08:00

Moses told the Lord, "The people cannot come up on Mount Sinai, because you yourself told us, 'Set a limit around the mountain, and set it apart as holy.' " -Exodus 19:23

The Lord teaches Moses and the the Israelite the Law of "Margins." In each of our lives we need margins or how this text put it, limits. Ever seen a football game where the receiver makes not just a tremendous catch but he also manages to keep both feet in bounds which in return makes it a fair catch. Margins help the game stay in control and also helps our lives stay in control. I have recently been introduced to the real world. Working 8 hours, leading a team, expected performance, school, relationship, ministry, and a whole lot of driving. My life can seem and is real draining. I need to develop margins in my life to gain control of it or else I will be living life aimlessly.
Another thing I enjoyed about this verse was the last 5 words "...set it apart as holy." As we make margins in our lives we also have to set apart margins that are HOLY. These margins are the ones that are irreplaceable, unmovable, priceless. No matter what comes I already know and understand that I have set apart some time for what is holy. Now Holy doesn't always have to mean something spiritual. For some your Holy Margins are time with your family, Date night, or exercise.
As I think about these words that I'm writing i'm asking myself what are my margins that are HOLY, set in stone? So I gathered my top 5

Holy Margins

Devotion with the Lord in the mornings.
Watching "House of Payne" every Wednesday with my sister.
Telling Amanda Goodnight anyway possible .
Spending time with my family.
Encouraging my team.

Looking at your life what "MARGINS" do you need to set? which are your "Holy Margins?"

Sunday Night REwind

2008-11-23T21:19:00.000-08:00

•Great end to a Great series!
•P. Ant brought it, again. That a way to finish "30 days to live." I think this was one of our most effective series so far.
•Amanda DANCED!! I love seeing her dance, she's the best. Here's a quick peek of her dance "Remind Me" (not the best quality, boo)
•No one showed up for our single adult class, but it's a learning process. Although there was a no show Troy and I had a chance to brainstorm some quick ideas about how we can promote this group. (if you have any feel free to leave a comment, we want to learn)
•Went to eat at Las Vegas taqueria, it was good but living in SF i'm really picky about my mexican food.
•WOW Leebo & Sabrina have about a week left before they get married! I'm so excited for them.
•It was so touching hearing Manny talk about how his daughter is about to be married soon. It must be hard for a parent to let go of their baby.
•P.Dan comes next week, can't wait, hopefully they do "JERICHO"
•Going to go to bed soon, this might be the earliest I've gone to bed this whole week.
•So ThanksGiving is coming up soon, any plans? traditions?

Guest Journal

2008-11-19T05:16:00.000-08:00

I suddenly woke up real early today not sure why? so I decided I was going to pray but all of a sudden I was lead to read a journal entry that one of my friends sent me. Samson Lepisi, is one of the strongest men I know, he truly lives up to his name "Samson." Anyways I love that I have been able to see this young man grow in the ranks of Masters Commission. So this morning I want to say thank you Sam, and with his permission I want to share the same journal that encouraged and challenged me to keep going!

S- "Examine yourselves, to see whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Or do you not realize this about yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you?—unless indeed you fail to meet the test! I hope you will find out that we have not failed the test. But we pray to God that you may not do wrong—not that we may appear to have met the test, but that you may do what is right, though we may seem to have failed." -2 Corinthians 13:5-7

O- What I believe Paul is talking about is never giving up. test yourself, whether you are in the faith. I thank God so much for a free will because if we didn't have it then what cause we are fighting for. I mean don't get me wrong having a good perfect life is good but imagine how much growth we will have spiritually if we've gone through difficult situations. Paul is saying, test yourself. You know sometimes we believe that once we are saved then we are always saved. Listen, "God is far more than just one miracle in your life and if we live off of just one, than we have limited ourselves of more." A test is an opportunity to overcome, we cant look at it as a downfall, a stumbling block but a chance to look at our problems as stairs, "the more steps you take, the higher you go." We will fail, don't get me wrong! we will fail but just know that failure is not an option in life, its a tool to help others overcome.

A- I apply this word to my walk this day and also in life. I found out my popz in the hospital. I know through this, my faith is being tested and i believe that my faith will grow stronger. Only God brings the increase.

P- God I thank you so much for what you have done. God through the good and the bad i will still worship you. God give me strength. I love you so much. Thank you. Amen

Pushing the envelope

2008-11-17T17:13:00.000-08:00

As we are strolling into the closing of another year we, as a church are pushing the envelope. Lately at CWC Milpitas we have been driven to change the way we do church. Yes we are sticking with what has brought us success but we are changing things up, we are pushing the envelope. Lately Pastor Anthony has been speaking to us, his team, about one word innovation. You could check out his post on it right here. We've decided to change a few things especially in this series "30 days to live." Each week we've been changing things up.
First it was unfolding this series, weren't really sure how people would have taken it but I think it is making all of us think, second we introduced a new face lift to our stage. Who could've thought that a couple of lights here and there would make such a difference, and lastly we brought out a coffin to make a statement that life is to short not to live it out. So what's next? well for that you'll just have to check it out or keep posted.

Sunday Night REwind

2008-11-16T20:50:00.000-08:00

•Today was a special day, Troy and I got to speak! We did a little tag team action, it went GOOD!
•"30 Days to Live" has been a challenging series. Makes me evaluate how I am living my life.
• In preparing this message God really spoke to me that "A legacy Isn't built on what you have, but it's built on what you give."
•Jesus' Legacy has outlasted Him because He GAVE His life. What are you giving to build a Godly Legacy?
•Amanda got to lead a song today, she did great!
•Ask yourself these 3 questions:
1.How do you want your wife/husband to remember you?
2.How do you want your children to remember you?
3.How do you want your grandchildren to remember you?
•Thanks P.Ant these little steps help us grow.
•I received a package in the mail today, wonder what it is? haha I know, but I might post on it next week.
•So far at my dads church youth services have been amazing, although we may not have the best musicians or singers we just had a time of worship. I can't explain it, it was just a peaceful spirit.
•The Youth spoke about the 5 fold ministry. We may not know it all but we are learning. Imagine a church working on all 5 cylinders?
•Gunna try to go to bed early tonight, so Gnite every1.

The BIG 5

2008-11-12T23:00:00.000-08:00

I've decided to start a new series here on my blog, it's going to be entitled "The BIG 5" basically I'm going to ask 5 BIG questions to a single random individual, it may even be YOU! At least once a month you will be seeing one new person answering the BIG 5!
Excited? I am, I wonder who should be first? any thoughts? Ok well I hope this goes good and starts catching on. Hey if you want me to ask you "The BIG 5" just let me know. Alright so just be on the look out for "The BIG 5" it's coming soon, real soon.

CWC World Changers Conference '08 (Pics)

2008-11-12T01:32:00.000-08:00

So here are a few pictures of the night at CWC World Changers Conference. Not the best it was hard to take pictures there, lighting was bad but here you go!

Someone NEEDS our HELP!

2008-11-11T23:00:00.000-08:00

Christmas is around the corner what are you going to buy? or better yet what are you going to GIVE?
What happens when people come together for 1 cause? impossible vanishes. This Christmas will you HELP make a DIFFERENCE in a child's life? As a kid I thought Christmas was all about me, but now as I get older the table has turned and I'm realizing that there is more to Christmas than receiving a gift. There are several other people nonetheless children who will go without. Won't you help us today?
Lead Pastor Shaun King and The Courag eous Church down in Atlanta, will be starting this amazing campaign, check it out at "500uniforms.org" to raise money for children whom this Christmas will not have a gift under their tree. Help make a difference in the world, your world!
Honestly you can probably read this and just skip it, but if it moves or stirs you up in any way why not help out those in need. I can say that I just finished donating $25.00 to go towards some young kids uniform, I did my part how about you?
-If you decide to donate, which I hope you do, leave a comment explaining why?-

Sunday Night REwind

2008-11-10T21:40:00.000-08:00

Quick recap about one of the BEST Sundays that I have experienced EVER!!

The Sun was out, you knew it was going to be a good day!
The night before we set up the stage with a new face lift, it totally changed the atmosphere.
I was amazed at how much of a difference a little bit of lights can make.
Pastor Anthony posed a question that still has me thinking "How will your WORSHIP look like if you only had 30 days to live?"
Thank You Tara for igniting a fire in me. What you said stirred me up, "If I only had 30 days to live this is NOT how I'm going to worship."
As a team we keep on pushing the envelope, and it seems to be working.
Leia said my name or something like it. She calls me "Tan-Tos" haha it's cool, I like it!
Evelyn & Carolyn hooked it up, with some shrimp tacos :) and enchiladas. Just a quick way to say thank you to our pastor.
At my dad's church the youth service was taken over by testimonies, God is doing great things in every ones lives.
The Lord spoke a word to me for a young man, I delivered it with authority and he thanked me, it was all God He knew what this young man needed to hear.
Went over the 5 fold ministry it was tough but they seemed receptive.
Church was fun!
Got to kick it with my family and my girlfriend! we had a time of talking politics and laughing!
Amanda knows the right words to say, she encouraged me, made me feel like the MAN!
God is GOOD!!!!

CWC World Changers Conference

2008-11-08T16:19:00.000-08:00

Yesterday was our very own CWC World Changers Conference, but more than that it was going to be a time of ordination. Several individuals from our very own CWCSJ were given the title of Ministers and Pastors! Individuals such as Julie Grimes, Jenny Santana, Katalina Lopez, James Landa, and Anthony Vasquez. It was a time of worshiping, honoring, and celebrating. For me I was proud of each and every person who was on the frontlines, I know it's not easy but these individuals have fought the good fight, but it doesnt stop here it's just the start of a new chapter. Proud of you guys! (I'll be posting some pictures pretty soon!)

On another note our Senior Pastor, Pastor Dan Vera, TORE IT UP!! speaking on the valley of dry bones he brought a whole new element, that I myself haven't heard before. Here are some quick notes:

Ezekiel 37:1-3
The Valley is where you will be formed.
The hand of the Lord is upon YOU!
Your abilities mean nothing without the Hand.
The things you go through will characterize your ministry.
He brings you out to bring you to your destiny.
When God places you there no one can take you away!
You don't pastor a church, you pastor a city!
The Results are up to God!

"Who Said that?"

2008-11-06T10:56:00.000-08:00

"When a man realizes his littleness, his greatness can appear!" -H.G Wells
"How does one become a butterfly? You must want to fly so much that you are willing to give up being a caterpillar." -Trina Pallus
"When you come to the end of your rope, tie a knot and hang on!" -Franklin D. Roosevelt
"Give me 100 preachers who fear nothing but sin and desire nothing but God, and I care not a straw whether they be clergymen or laymen; such alone will shake the gates of hell and set up the kingdom of heaven on Earth. God does nothing but in answer to prayer." -John Wesley
"The worst thing that could ever happen to a fighter happened, you got CIVILIZED!" -Mickey
"Lead by your convictions not your conditions." -SantZ
"When you're not self-controlled, you're out of control." -Shaun Blakeney
"Nothing is real if you don't believe in yourself!" -Rocky
“The biggest barrier to other people seeing the beauty God has put in you may be you.” -Perry Noble

Our New President!

2008-11-04T20:47:00.000-08:00

Today was a historic day! whether you are a Obama follower or a McCain follower today we elected a new president. Something that I enjoyed about this years election was number 1. I got to vote! I've always had this mindset that "oh why vote it's not like if it's going to count?" well if you think like that, then you're wrong, your vote does count and can make a difference. 2. This election got America to do something together. No matter if you were Republican or Democrat today every American was at the polls voting for whomever they wanted. 3. I enjoyed following the debates and the race for our president. It's weird I never thought I'd like politics, alright I still don't but it gets kind of competitive, I think that's what I enjoyed about it the most.
Today America has elected Barack Obama to be our 44th president, Regardless if you checked his name on your ballot or not, we have a special duty to do for our president and that is to pray for him.

"I urge you, first of all, to pray for all people. Ask God to help them; intercede on their behalf, and give thanks for them. Pray this way for kings and all who are in authority so that we can live peaceful and quiet lives marked by godliness and dignity." -1 Timothy 2:1-2

Celebrating Victories

2008-11-03T22:53:00.000-08:00

Living in the MOMENT

2008-11-03T20:15:00.000-08:00

Today was one of the best days I've ever had, it was so cool just hanging out with my mom. I know I know I'm a mommas boy but even now that I see her practically everyday I really don't spend that much quality time with her. What amazed me today was what this lady from lenscrafters said about our family. First off she was impressed at how patient I was, to tell you the truth I wanted to be home but I was just there to support my mom and help interpret for her, but I'm glad for twitter kept me busy! anyways her last remark blew me away... so I decided to take a picture of my sister and my mom and we were all just laughing saying that she looked like the Hispanic Sarah Palin (haha not really) and the lady told us "Wow I've never seen a family so close and have so much fun, I enjoyed helping you guys."
As soon as she said that I remembered our new series "30 days to live" and what P. Ant preached about "Living in the moment" why wait till someone tells you when it's your turn to kick the bucket, live out every moment as if it were your last!

Who will you vote for?

2008-10-31T06:00:00.000-07:00

It's time to VOTE!! First of all I am really excited about this year, why? because I finally registered to vote. It took a while for me to vote, roughly around 5 years! (sorry) There is a huge buzz around this years election and frankly both major candidates leave me wanting to submit an absentee ballot. Although it's a hard decision to make I think I have come to a conclusion, I will be voting for...haha, anyways this vote is not a laughing matter and I'm not sure where you stand either with Obama or with McCain just understand this, that as faithful Christians and Americans we owe it to our country and to God to vote! so let you voice and convictions be heard Novemebr 4th!!
I had a hard time coming to my conclusion but here are a couple of blog post that helped me define my conclusion:

Cameron Strang- Founder and Editor of Relevant (One of the BEST post, pretty long though)
Perry Noble- Senior Pastor of New Spring church (This post is in your face, no corners, just straight to the point!)
Ed Young- Founder of Ed Young Ministries, has this series online or on itunes called "Politicked" (He says he will tell you who you should vote for, this will be interesting)

I'm Back

2008-10-30T19:09:00.000-07:00

I took a loooooooong break from blogging and a lot of other stuff, but I'm back! Just want to say thank you for all of you who were able to shoot up a prayer for me, I felt it, and for that i know can say that I am healed, Thank You Jesus!
Well where do I start....It's been an amazing week and we going to be rolling into another great weekend starting this Friday with our very own Harvest Party here at CWC Milpitas also we will be starting our new series this Sunday, "30 days to live." (rumor has it that Troy & I will be speaking)

Before I can post anything else I just want to share my heart a bit with what God has been dealing with me lately:

God has put the book of Exodus in my heart, just to read and study. So far so good, I'm glad I did because I am learning new insights from Moses. I’m coming to believe that Moses is my favorite bible character, besides Jesus you know. I am 6 chapters into the book and I want more! Yes I know the story, my mind already jumps to the finale but new things seem to be jumping and standing out. Moses was a great man, but it was Gods plan for his life that kept him aligned. "For every plan of God there needs to be a man (or woman) of God." How easy would life be if we all had a single road map with directions telling us what to expect and what steps to take, life would be easy, right? God gave us this life with a couple of mysteries that only we can figure out by taking those steps of faith. As of this point my life seems to be in a hazy journey where I'm not so sure of my next step, but I kind of like it because it forms a dependency on God. The book of Proverbs concludes that the beginning of wisdom is the fear of the lord. Fearing him not like I fear Freddy Kruger but fearing him knowing that in him are all things and that without him my life will be a living nightmare. I need him, so I fear him. In a way my fear produces more faith, and the only way to please God is by faith!

Prayer Request!

2008-10-22T21:54:00.000-07:00

Hey everyone I was battling in putting this post up but if I believe in Prayer why not? Well I'm asking your help in praying for some of my needs, if you can and have time shoot up a prayer for me, please!

My throat- It's been killing me. I need a healing, and a quick one. I went to the doctors and they said I have a severe throat infection.
A new job proposal- I was suprised to even be asked about this job opening but I truly believe it's all God, just been working with the company for 3 months. There is a lot to do here but if it's God's will the door will remain opened for me.
School- missed a mid-term yesterday, but emailed the teacher hopefully he has as much grace as God does (maybe not).
Our Harvest month- This is my 5th harvest month with CWC and I'm as excited as my first year. Pray that God will do a great might work in the souls that will get saved there.

Now What?

2008-10-20T19:47:00.000-07:00

"They went past the first and second guards and came to the iron gate that separated them from the city. The gate opened by itself for them, and they went through it. When they had walked down one street, the angel suddenly left him." -Acts 12:10

Peter finally experiences freedom! The Angel of God leads him out of prison but all of a sudden disappears. Now What? I don't know but I could just imagine Peter asking himself that very question, "Now What God? you took me out of the first and second guards and we passed the gates of the prison, and now you just leave me out here in the middle of the streets, Now What?" Doesn't it feel sometimes like God is leading us, and we can feel it too, then all of a sudden He is no where in sight. I have experienced those moments myself, but I don't think God leaves us half way just because, but I think he plays a little game of hide and seek. He wants us to search more passionately, more intimately, and with more persistence. Just because God is doing a great work in our lives does not mean we have to let down our pursuit for him.

There will come times when I do feel like God has left me alone and I too might ask my self that question, "Now What?" but it's in those times where I have to remember Deuteronomy 31:8 It's these times where I have to remind myself that I am not alone, but GOD is on my side!

Lord I just want to say how grateful I am to be called your son, that even when I think you're not there and I may question your integrity, you are a man of your word and you say that you will never leave me nor forsake me. Forgive me for ever not believing you, I take this word as a reminder and as a word of comfort that lets me know you are with me and I am with you.

Beautiful

2008-10-20T14:58:00.000-07:00

There is a new series happening in NewSpring, that every woman MUST check out and guys too. It's titled: "Beautiful, A series for Women and the Men who pursue them." It's pretty insightful and real cool!

Everyone loves money

2008-10-16T17:55:00.000-07:00

Today was an interesting day, I listened to my podcast as I walked to school and then started my journaling session. What was surprising was that both my journal and the Podcast both related to FINANCES. Finances is something that all of us deal with, money makes this world go around, but God has a different twist on the way the world looks at money. I heard this message by Perry Noble on Money. He says that 16 out of the 28 parables are about money!
So my journey started off here in Malachi 3 and just a couple of verses into it God asks a profounding question, "Should a person rob God?"
Well this question kind of irritates you, or at least it does for me. I was raised in church and was always preached by my parents, "Remember to take 10% for your tithes." As a kid i really just wanted to say HECK NO! I didn't understand the principle that my parents were trying to instill in my life. Well I have to thank my mom and pops for that valuable lesson that I will cherish and instill in my family one day. As I got older and started sweating for my money I also noticed something else, and here is a confession, "It started getting harder to TITHE!" Just because my paychecks were getting larger and larger (yeah right) my hand held my money tighter and tighter. Today I realized the many times that I robbed God. Several times that I missed giving my tithes, or didn't give when I should've, but before I get all down I'll never forget how God came through for me. See I have given tithes and I still do, but I remember my biggest check that I ever received. I honestly didn't want to give all my tithe because that would be almost $100. I wrestled with God, and finally he challenged me to give, not just 10% but 15% and guess what I was OK with that. I really didn't see any fruit but in His time God blessed me, double of what I tithed. I stood there with a new check and I remember telling God thanks because He kept his promise.
There is something that Perry Noble says in his message, "God doesn't need your money, you need Gods blessing!" this is so true, we need Gods blessing for our lives. If we trust God with our money, we will see more of Him in our lives.